On This Day In Judy Garland’s Life And Career – September 2

“As the orchestra began the overture, derived from tunes identified with Judy, members of the Garland cult applauded and began rising to their feet. Soon almost everyone in the big auditorium was standing, including heretics who simply wanted to see what was happening.” – Russ Wilson, The Oakland Tribune, 1967

September 2, 1933: The LA Times mentioned “The Gumm Sisters” in “Harmony Supreme” as part of the “excellent hit numbers” on stage at the Downtown Warner Bros. theater in Los Angeles. The live entertainment played after showings of the Leslie Howard film Captured” The article also made note that the “stage shows at Warners exemplify brighter side of entertainment.”

The girls were not listed in the small ad at the bottom of the page, but next to that ad was one for the Paramount Theater that listed, on its stage, several acts including Kay Thompson. Kay would, as most Garland fans know, would play an important part in Judy’s life just ten years later. It’s entirely possible that Kay saw Judy and her sisters perform at this time.

Photos: A rare snapshot of Judy with her father and mother (Frank and Ethel Gumm) circa 1933; a scan of the LA Times page that shows the mention and the ads.

September 2, 1934: The Garland Sisters were still playing at the Uptown Theater in Chicago, Illinois. They were good enough to get a mention an uncredited column about the various stage acts that were of note.

September 2, 1939: Above, this two-page spread appeared in the September 1939 issue of “Photoplay.” Below, more Ozzy ads and articles, plus the initial publication of the now famous political cartoon by famous political cartoonist “Herblock” (Herb Block).

September 2, 1940: “Judy Garland, M-G-M star, has reached the age when young girls become fashion-conscious and she knows, too, her cosmetics must be just as right as her clothes.”

From the collection of John Newton

September 2, 1941: The first day of filming the “Hoe Down” number for Babes on Broadway. I had previously posted that the first day of filming was August 30th but that was incorrect. Scenes were shot on the same set (“Interior Gym”) on that day, but only dramatic scenes.

Filming for this fantastic number lasted a week. On this day, Judy was due on the set at 10:30 a.m.; lunch: 1:00-2:00 p.m.; time dismissed: 6:03 p.m.

Photos below provided by Kim Lundgreen. Thanks, Kim!

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September 2, 1942: Harry James was always honest about why his recording of “You Made Me Love You” was so popular. He said that he tried to play it as Judy had sung it a few years prior. Listen to the recording below. It’s wonderful.

September 2, 1943: Here’s a notice about Judy and first husband, David Rose, splitting up. Notice the sarcasm noting that all David will get in the breakup is “the air.”

September 2, 1943: Judy in the news.

Several papers carried the news that a “Hollywood Caravan” would soon be going on a Bond Tour around the country “starting next week” to raise money for war bonds. In every article, Judy’s name is listed first followed by Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, Olivia de Havilland, Katheryn Grayson, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, James Cagney, Betty Hutton, and Mickey Rooney. The tour began on September 8, 1943, in Washington, DC.

Erskine Johnson’s “In Hollywood” column on this day included the note: Judy Garland received a letter the other day from Pvt. Wilbert B. Giving of Camp McCoy, Wis. He wondered if she remembered. She did. At the age of seven, back in Judy’s home town of Grand Rapids, Minn., Wilbert produced a neighborhood back yard pin show. Six-year-old Judy, his next door neighbor, was the singing star. Her billing read, ‘Frances Gumm – Singer de Luxe.’ It was her theatrical debut.

It’s possible that this is a story made up by MGM and sent out to the various papers and columnists. It’s also possible that the event did happen, just earlier than thought because when Judy was six-years-old the family had already moved to California.

MGMs publicity department put out the following: Judy Preps Dance Chore With Astaire – HOLLYWOOD – Judy Garland has started dancing lessons under the tutelage of Renee de Marco, to prepare to be co-starred with Fred Astaire in “The Belle of New York.” This is the first time the famed dancer will turn teacher and Judy will be her first pupil.

The Belle of New York was a project that producer Arthur Freed had wanted to make, with Judy and Fred in the lead roles, for some time. He finally made the film in 1952 with Fred and Vera-Ellen in Judy’s role.

There were a few odd stories about Judy that were published on this day. During the preceding summer, Judy’s health had been in the news when she was admitted to the Las Campanas sanitarium in Compton, California followed by her stay at the Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts from August 4 through August 20, 1947.

M. Oakley Stafford’s “Informing You” column noted about a trip “rushing about the country”: Most grievous news of the trip was about Judy Garland who refused for so long to believe she was ill. She grew worse . . . It recalled a visit to the coast last year. Judy’s baby was only a few weeks old and Judy insisted upon resuming activities. She had fainted in a downtown store in Los Angeles and refused even to let anyone drive her home . . . So she collapsed. Or would have if she allowed herself to fall . . . Here’s hoping she’s back in high [spirits] soon.

The following two columns tried to create a rivalry between Judy and Ann Miller and June Allyson (there was none with either):

By Erskine Johnson: “Judy Garland Recuperating At Health Spot” – Hollywood – Judy Garland, getting back her health in Maine, almost had a relapse after reading that Ann Miller would replace her in M-G-M’s “Easter Parade.” After half a dozen hot coast-to-coast telephone calls, the studio succeeded in quieting her down. It was all a mistake. Judy, not Ann, will co-star with Gene Kelly in the picture. Judy returns to Hollywood Oct. 1.

Dorothy Kilgallen’s “Voice of Broadway” column: Judy Garland, who was so ill a few weeks ago, is definitely ready to go into the film musical “Easter Parade.” Her recovery was hastened when she heard that Judy Allyson (of whom she is not too fond) was being warmed up for the part . . .

September 2, 1962: Judy speaks up! Here are two printings of the same article allegedly written by Judy in which she talks about her career and her children as well as filming The Lonely Stage which was retitled I Could Go On Singing.

September 2, 1965: Here are two reviews of Judy’s recent opening at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos on August 30, 1965. The reviews are not the most flattering about her voice or the contents of the show but they did acknowledge that Garland magic, especially its effects on “The Garland Cult.” Even the great Judy Garland didn’t please all of the critics all of the time. Also included above is a photo of Judy with husband-to-be Mark Herron.

September 2, 1967: The recent release of “Judy Garland – At Home At The Palace” LP received another review. Plus, Judy’s next stop on her Palace tour was the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.